Australia has its fair share of heritage properties some of which date as far back as in the 1840s. The heritage homes in Australia can be quite diverse. It can be an imposing Georgian or Tudor style mansion to humble old abodes such as pine huts or even pugs. Whatever the size or style of the home, carrying out a heritage home restoration generally requires a great deal of passion, expertise as well as dedication to restoring the house to its former glory and making sure it is in excellent shape. You will need the best quality services such as Heritage Restoration Sydney by Mulberry Group to help restore your heritage homes to their former glory using high quality and exact materials, some of which date back to the old era.

If you love home restorations, then you have a large sample to work with thanks to Australia’s rich and colourful history as well as the diverseness of the country in terms of cultural and historical experience. Many of the old homes are colonial era types that can be transformed into beautiful and stately family homes with a professional hand.

Carrying out exact old house renovations is not always an easy task. It involves a lot of trials and tribulations and it is not always getting it right. But when completed well with professional help such as heritage restoration Sydney by Mulberry Group, the result can be nothing short of marvelous.

When carrying out heritage home renovations, there are various issues that you are likely to grapple with such as how available the materials are, the heritage of the building, the set of the rules that have been put in place by the local council as well as the budget for the heritage restorations amongst other considerations. Here are some useful tips that you need to keep in mind when it comes to planning, designing and restoring the Sydney heritage homes:

Before you buy a heritage home that you are planning to restore in the future, talk to the local authorities or council to determine if there are any restrictions regarding any modifications on the property. In case the property you are purchasing has been listed as a heritage building, you need to know about the implications of that status on your restorations projects.

Research well and learn about the history of the building such as the year in which it was built as well as building‘s original intended use. Researching this information can give you an insight into the period architecture of the time, the aesthetics of the time as well as the materials that were used in constructing the house.

Hire a trusted local heritage architect and building specialist. Heritage restoration Sydney by Mulberry Group are generally of top notch quality.

Ask around, do your research and make adequate planning for the restorations beforehand. You will need to get every fine detail about the former state of the building right in order for you to carry out a fairly successful heritage restoration on your property. You have to get the precise details. Don’t assume anything about the building. Before the start of the construction work on the building, it is advisable to spend a considerable amount of time on planning.

In case you are looking for the right tradesperson that will carry out the heritage restorations on your property, the best place to ask are the owners or managers of other heritage-listed buildings in Sydney that have been recently restored.

When hiring a tradesperson, be diligent and ask to see their past portfolio of work which they had completed.

Check if the heritage building that you are planning to restore has any original building plans with the local council. If you can have the plans, you will have an idea of what the building originally looked like. You will also be able to compare easily with what you currently have. You can also look for any past pictures of the building for ease of comparison.

To get a good feel of the building, it is even advisable to live in the heritage house for some time before you begin any restoration work on it. This way, you can give precise recommendations from the perspective of the owner.

This is a job that requires a great deal of patience and passion and is not something to be rushed over like gentrification projects.

The real estate industry has grown tremendously. New buildings are erected at a fast rate. This growth has led to the high demand of real estate agents to manage those properties. Landlords who hire reputable and reliable property managers are likely to enjoy maximum profits. The managers can supervise different type of assets ranging from established apartments to single-family houses. Realty companies such as Norman Park Property Management – Metrocity Realty can offer excellent property management services.

Marketing appraisal services

Property managers are equipped with skills of evaluating properties and establishing an appropriate rent. This eliminates instances of many vacant rooms due to high rent rates. They conduct intensive market research and come up with detailed reports. The research enables the managers to find out features that tenants prefer in a house.

Marketing skills

Property managers design an excellent rental list that is aimed at minimizing number of terrible tenants and increasing advertising exposures. Since they have resources, they can contract advertising agencies to help in popularizing your property. The popular aid of advertising includes established magazines, newspapers, and the online marketing sites.

Tenant Screening

Before tenants are allowed to access the property, they should be intensively screened. Experienced realty companies such as Norman Park Property Management – Metrocity Realty recruit tenants that will maintain the property and settle rent on time.

Assets Viewing

Before a tenant leases a property, he or she has to survey it and establish whether it meets his or her needs. Obviously, the appropriate time for viewing is during the weekend or evenings. As a landlord, you may be busy during that time. Property managers are able to show interested tenants around on your behalf. Therefore, you can accomplish other important tasks with the free time created.

Excellent contracts

When a landlord enters a deal with a property manager, she or he must sign a contract. The contract must be detailed and clearly states duties and responsibility of both the manager and tenants. You should make a point of carefully reviewing the terms and conditions of the contract before putting a signature on it. You can also request your trusted friend or attorney to assist you during the reviewing process. The idea is to make sure there are no hidden fees in the contract.

Why hiring a Property Manager is an important consideration

Investing in rental property is an important decision that requires to be treated with utmost care. If you do not have any knowledge about how real estate industry operates, making an excellent investment decision can be a difficult task.

Excellent accounting

Bookkeeping can cause you much headache due to the difficult accounting terms and intensive paperwork. Property managers can save you from the hassles of doing these calculations. They can prepare detailed reports on both incomes and expenses.

Strong relationship with service providers

Your property may demand to be repaired, renovated, or certain features installed. An experienced manager can connect you to reliable contractors. In addition, they can ensure you get the services at an affordable price.

Considering the many services Norman Park Property Management – Metrocity Realty has to offer, property owners are able to maximize profits. You can click this link and enlighten yourself on what property management entails. http://www.metrocityrealty.com.au/

It is human to guard specifically just what is your own. Usually, you would do anything to make certain that no injury will certainly relate to you, various other participants of your home, as well as your personal possessions. Thanks to contemporary technology, securing your residence or firm has actually been made a lot much easier and simpler. With metal and wooden gates automation system on your property, you will have the ability to secure your centres 24/7 like having unyielding guards standing at your gates.

As you could see, this innovation will ensure you have:

1. Safety

Usually, this is the main reason homeowners determine to set up electric and wooden gates automation in your home or at their service facilities. Not just that it avoids invaders to target their residential properties, nonetheless, it also makes burglaries a lot harder or possibly tough. Besides these, electrical swing gateway collections and also various other models could likewise be established with intercom systems to enhance the degree of safety. With it, you can firmly and also conveniently validate your visitors’ identities without having to walk outdoors.

2. Managed Entry

One remarkable facet of steel or wooden gates automation systems is that they provide you general control of determining whoever enters and also from your house. This feature will certainly not only help reduce the selection of undesirable visitors, however, will likewise aid on the tasks within and around your centers.

3. Privacy

With electrical automatic gates Midlands firms install, you could save yourself the aggravation of addressing or lowering intrusive salespersons at your doorstep, which could interrupt your day. This recommends that you and your home will have the capacity to proceed enjoying a day of barbeque in your lawn or a relaxing evening on your front patio area with no disturbance.

4. Added Comfort

When you leave or get to your residence, you will have the capacity to open up and also shut your automatic gateway without needing to leave your vehicle, allowing you to get quickly and also safely. Depending upon your demands, you could choose from different kinds of gain access to control. There are the cordless keypad, Came push-button controls, Benica push-button controls, as well as other crucial switches, and also swipe card, so you will absolutely uncover something that matches you.

5. Adaptability

Being readily available in numerous styles as well as performances, dual swing entrance kits and plans can fit any type of shape and size of the house. As an example, you could select between a swinging gate and also a moving gate depending upon area demands. If you like, you could even wire it into your residence barriers and bollards Leicester protection system. Nevertheless, to ensure which style is the best for your needs, you have to consult with the professionals.

6. Boosted Home Worth

Not only that an automated entrance will certainly make your house extra safe and secure as well as safer, nonetheless, it will likewise enhance its well worth. It will certainly be an enticing feature for prospective buyers, increasing the chances for your house getting an offer should you choose to put it in the marketplace in the future. Essentially, it is absolutely a sensible monetary investment making when you acquire electrical swing gateway plans.

Final Thoughts

Whether you are preparing to create a brand-new gateway or aiming to update an existing one, you ought to pass by anything less when it worries safeguarding your house or company. Currently, have you chosen to have gateway automation sets installed? You can buy electric gateway opener packages at trusted retailers near you for easier instalment. You can additionally check online resources to locate and buy automatic gates Northamptonshire packages near your area. For more information, visit websites like http://www.magtecelectricgates.co.uk.

Skoda, the popular car manufacturer from Czech, has been introducing versatile cars both in economy and sports models. Recently, the company has introduced the latest model of their flagship brand namely the Kodiaq. Apart from this, the company has also introduced the third generation of yet another popular model namely the ‘Octavia’. In fact, the company has recently completed production of one million units of Octavia model alone. Encouraged with the success of Kodiaq and Octavia, Skoda has now launched new versions of some of the other models of cars. These cars are likely to hit the market very shortly. Apart from the performance, the success of Skoda car is also attributed to the effective network of Skoda services.

Fully equipped service centers:

Every authorized dealer of Skoda car has established exclusive service centers that meet the standards prescribed by the manufacturer of the car. In addition to marketing the car, the authorized centres of skoda services also undertake to repair and service every model of Skoda car. The service center is manned by sufficiently qualified, trained and experienced technicians. Normally, the service centers also provide ‘on road service’.

Skoda old cars:

The service centers also supply genuine spare parts for every model of Skoda cars. Every purchase of spare parts that you make from the service center comes with a money-back warranty. Further, the service centers market both old and new Skoda cars. Even the old cars that you buy come with an appropriate warranty.

Cars on display:

Apart from Octavia and Kodiaq, Skoda has also introduced various other popular models like the Fabia, Rapid, Skoda Superb and so on. The authorized dealers and centres for Skoda services display every model of Skoda cars. Further the sales crew will provide you with every technical and other detail of the car. Apart from this, you can also browse to know about the various models of Skoda cars and their specifications. Brisbane City Skoda

Car to your requirement:

If you are planning to buy skoda cars, you may contact the authorized dealers. The technical crew will assist you in buying a car after ascertaining your specific requirements for the car. Further, you can also go on a test ride of the model of the car that you are planning to buy. As you drive along, the technician will explain to you various other salient features of the car. This enables you to make a first hand assessment of the performance of the car.

Loan and insurance:

If you are in need of loan for buying the car, the dealer will introduce you to popular financial institutions so that you can get a loan at a favorable rate of interest. Similarly, the dealer will also assist you in insuring the car. For this purpose, on your behalf the authorized dealer will make all the necessary paper works as well. Further, these services would be available whether you buy old or new skoda cars.

Save money:

Some of the authorized dealers offer discounts when you buy new skoda cars. The discount may be in terms of cash, or in some cases, it may be in terms of free accessories or some other forms like the gift coupons. That would be a wonderful opportunity to save a considerable amount of money.

Mitsubishi as a company is highly responsive and active in the car market. Its services are quite commendable, since the company itself takes a front foot in recalling cars with any issues in every market invariably, whether it is the US or Australia. Recently, this year in June, Mitsubishi recalled almost 429, 981 units of Mitsubishi Outlander and Lancer. Though Mitsubishi lancer Brisbane dealers sell were not counted much in them, and the communication manager of Mitsubishi in Australia, John Taylor, assured that the impact of the recall has not moved the Australian market since it was the US market where maximum recalls were reported. However, it shows the company’s genuine concern to improve their services, offer extended arms to the consumers, by readily recalling the cars with issues to offer better service instead.

Mitsubishi Service Standard – The Diamond Advantage package

The Australian market is always considered to be a booming market for new Mitsubishi cars. Therefore, the company has exclusively designed the Diamond advantage service package for its consumers to privilege them with instant servicing solutions, insurance, on the go advantages which distinctively count as additional positive points for the manufacturer.

Comprehensive Warranty of 5 Years

This comprehensive warranty pack involves too overwhelming warranty offers directly on purchase. The first one being the 5 year or 100,000kms whichever comes first warranty on purchase of a new car. The next one is the additional Mitsubishi car service specials Brisbane dealers offer along with 5 years perforating warranty.

Capped price servicing

The Mitsubishi Lancer Brisbane dealers sell along with Ralliart have exceptional regular servicing price capped with every scheduled servicing interval after 6 months or 5000kms. On the other hand, the other Mitsubishi cars are regularly serviced after every 12 months or 15, 000kms in the first 4 years after purchase. This is an exclusive feature of the Australian Mitsubishi servicing schemes offered to the consumers.

Complete Assistance

You can additionally extend or renew service assistance for a used Mitsubishi pajero but for new cars, you get a complete 1 year roadside assistance while you are on the drive. This means whenever you find any disturbance or issue, you can stop by a Mitsubishi service center on your way to get a checkup done. Not only this, there is the customer assistance center which is always there for you to resolve your doubts and answer your queries.

Genuine Servicing

Throughout Australia, Mitsubishi Lancer Brisbane dealers sell or other Mitsubishi manufactured cars are known for having the relentless assistance of top notch professional care from genuine Mitsubishi servicing experts. The best part is that the Diamond advantage pack offers the consumers with a lucrative deal to have extended 4 years complete hassle free drive with Mitsubishi, with company taking complete assistance responsibility.

In Australia, when you think of buying a budget luxury SUV or Sedan, Mitsubishi can be one of the most lucrative deals in the market. Owning a car comes with added hassles of car maintenance, on road services, regular servicing, etc. However, with genuine Mitsubishi services you can stay relaxed and drive and stay assured that every Mitsubishi service centre will take minimal time for servicing your car at market competitive rate. Toowong Mitsubishi

Buying car parts can be a tedious process especially if the correct procedure is not followed. If you really want to be successful, there are a number of things you need to understand. You should know the type and the model of the car whose parts are to be replaced. One can only buy the right car parts Beaudesert dealers have, if he or she is capable of distinguishing between the exterior and the engine parts.

Companies such as Hyundai Motor Company make different car models. In most cases, different models use different parts. Choosing the parts that are specifically made for a particular model is a good idea. Some companies tend to change car parts from one year to another. This crystal clearly shows that considering the year your car was manufactured will help you choose the correct car parts Beaudesert dealers sell.

Choosing engine and exterior parts

Engines are important components of vehicles and their sizes vary. One should buy the parts that correspond to the size of the engine. In case you are not able to tell the engine size of your car, consider seeking assistance from any of the specialists who provide services such as Beaudesert car repairs, and he or she will let you know its correct size. An engine that uses diesel will require different parts from the one that uses petrol.

Exterior parts of Hyundai cars that are commonly replaced are boot panels, doors and bonnets. When selecting replacements, one should ensure that the panels have no scratches or dents. The panels’ edges must be contoured well with no seen bends.

Selecting wheels and electrical parts

Electrical parts, which are commonly replaced, are door and window locks. During replacement process, the mechanic should ensure that the new parts are capable of working with the number of amps and volts that the original versions used to work with. Parts that have different electrical requirement can result into a short circuit.

When selecting electrical parts, make sure that the wires together with their insulation are in the right condition. Buy wheels whose sizes are equal to those that were present initially. Most of them are made of either alloy or steel. Both are strong, but steel wheels are more affordable. On the other hand, alloy wheels have less weight.

Steps to follow when buying the right auto parts

When one buys used hyundai Beaudesert dealers sell, there are high chances that the vehicle may require replacements soon. He or she should commence doing proper research in order to know how and where to get them. Research will also help know the average prices of car parts Beaudesert showrooms have. The same thing should be done by those who purchase new Hyundai Beaudesert dealers offer.

Research is done by looking at the websites of various dealers. After one gets a seller who sells the parts of interest, he or she moves to the premises for verification. One may require the dealer to lower the price of a particular part, if he or she thinks the marked price is not fair. After an agreement is reached, payment is made and the buyer is given the auto parts. To learn more, you can also visit http://scenicmotors.com.au.

Every business house, irrespective of its size and volume, requires enough space to store the raw materials and finished goods. But with constraint of space and rising rentals, business houses have started making the best use of Altona storage services. Such storage services have become so popular that in Australia there are more than 1100 self storage companies offering storage space of more than 39 million square feet.

A necessity for every class:

The storage service is also called by different names like mini storage, self service storage and storage units. The utility of self storage units is not limited to business enterprises. It is being extensively made use of to keep the household articles too. In short, in this busy world self storage units have become a necessity for various manufacturing units, business enterprises and also for individuals.

Warehouse/self storage:

The self storage service is an improvement over the conventional warehouses. In the conventional warehouse system, you may have to hire the entire warehouse irrespective of the volume of materials you want to store. Therefore, warehouses were not suitable for those having limited articles to store.

Secured individual units:

The self storage units remove this bottleneck and on the other hand provide various other types of utilities as well. The Altona storage units are individual storage blocks. These blocks are enclosed units and are secured. Some of the storage services provide storage units in more than 70 different sizes. There are air conditioned storage units for keeping perishable articles and medicines. In addition to these, some of the storage services also offer open-air storage services where you can keep a certain specified types of articles.

You manage the storage unit:

As the very name suggests, self storage is basically a ‘Do it yourself’ storage unit. Once you hire the unit, you decide the way in which you want to keep your goods. Normally, most of the Altona storage services provide 24 hours access to the leased storage units.

Keep any item:

Starting from your household articles, like, for example, artifacts, jewelry, furniture, you can store any item in the personal storage Melbourne units. If you are a business enterprise you can make use of the storage units to keep your raw materials, finished goods as well as office records. However, you are restrained from keeping explosives, certain types of chemicals and such other articles explicitly prohibited by the law of the land.

Security:

Security of your belongings is one of the issues which are very much relevant to every self storage hire services. The authorities of storage units have made use of modern technology to provide foolproof security system. Most of the storage units have adopted biometric safety standards. In addition to this, you are given the freedom to lock the storage unit using your own lock and key.

Locate the storage units:

This is a world of intense competition and the services of storage hire Melbourne firms provide are not free from such competition. In order to ensure sufficient visibility now, self storage units are getting listed on popular search engines. This helps you to locate popular self storage units like the https://www.publicselfstorage.com.au/altona-self-storage.htm/ operating in your locality. While browsing you may also go through the reviews of the storage units.

Designing a home is an art and a science too. The architect has to work within the constraints of the space available in the plot, the budget and the requirements of the house owner. While designing a home the architect has to consider elements like natural light, ventilation, use of natural materials, gorgeous finish, attractive interior and such other factors. In fact, these elements are essentially required for designing all types of houses including the luxury home designing. One of the luxury houses in Sydney has been built with a healthy combination of granite, timber and marble flooring with a large glass so as to provide a panoramic view of the overlooking Hyde Park.

Luxurious kitchen too:

In addition to this, the kitchen of this house is provided with stone benchtops, Gaggenau appliances, integrated fridge, splash back and such other utilities. In fact, you can find several such luxury homes and apartments in various parts of Australia.

Elements of a luxury home:

But, it is extremely difficult to precisely define the constituents of Luxury Home Designing. However, it can be said that space, elegance, amenities, materials used, painting are some of the important elements of designing a luxury home. Interestingly, you can find luxury designs from a villa to a cozy home. In short, the luxury design should be such that it should enable you to live in the lifestyle about which you had dreamt.

Keep pace with modern trends:

Further, the Luxury Home Designing should keep pace with the modern trend. This applies to both the design as well as the interior decoration of the house. For example, in one of the buildings the architects have used terracotta having a matte finish and this has actually created illusion of rustic space. Similarly, the designer has used cork on the coffee table as well as on the walls. In fact, this absorbs noise. Check out at Latitude 37

Exterior elegance:

As far as exterior appearance is concerned, some of the architects design sloping block homes which enhance the beauty of the house. Similarly, subtle colors with accents for walls also help in enhancing the beauty of the building.

Visit display home:

Many of the real estate firms have introduced a unique build and display homes proposal. Under this proposal, you will buy the vacant land from the real estate firm. Once you complete the sale transaction, you will entrust the task of building your home to the same real estate firm. The real estate firm, in turn, will produce varieties of designs both in luxury and economy category. Before shortlisting the house plan, you may visit the display home which is constructed strictly according to the house plan proposed to you. By visiting the display home you will be able to appreciate the suitability of the proposed house plan.

Designed for future needs:

The architects will come out with plans for constructing luxury homes even for knock down rebuild Melbourne houses. In short, the architect should think about the contemporary design and also keep in view the future needs of the house owner.

Bottomline:

Designing a house is a challenging task and it is as challenging as buying a home. Therefore, you should avail the services of popular engineers and architects like http://www.l37.com.au/ who would help you to construct your dream home.

One of the ways by which you can become your own boss is by joining the Uber fleet as a driver. Even so, Uber driving has its benefits and downsides. Upon weighing both sides, you may find that the benefits of being an Uber driver outweigh the downsides. For instance, reliable car rentals such as Keyz Uber exist to recruit drivers even if you have no car but willing to be an Uber driver.

Here are some of the major advantages of being a Keyz Uber driver.

You enjoy flexibility

As an Uber car rental driver, you are your own boss. This implies you set your own schedules and determine how much you earn. Besides, with the phone application at your fingertips, you can switch it on or off as you wish. Quite different from the experience in formal employment sectors, where you have to sign in and out each time you arrive or leave, Uber option gives you a flexible schedule to suit your operations.

No supervision

As a registered Keyz Uber driver, you operate on your own prerogative to do what you please and when. In simple terms, there is no bossing around of drivers in Uber. All the same, a manager exists for all drivers and each driver is required to maintain a given set of rating in order to maintain the contract.

Opportunity to meet new people

Since you pick and drop passengers from various places, you have the chance to make new friends and visit new places. People use Uber in different places for different reasons. When you meet new people of different ages in different places, you create great opportunities for social interaction. Besides, as you drive people to various destinations, you will become more aware of the corridors of your city. You discover places you did not know and know of events you never knew existed.

You can listen to music or news as you work

This privilege is rare in many workplaces. However, as an Uber driver, you can listen to news or your favorite music while on the job. This motivates drivers even more, to remain committed as they work in a comfortable environment. Besides, your drivers appreciate your services and this gives you the motivation to feel confident in the community.

In addition to the advantages mentioned, there are downsides that come with Uber driving. You need to look at both sides before you include your name on Uber car list of drivers. Here are common cons to the job:

Little recognition from the boss: since most of the time you operate in the field, picking and dropping passengers, you have little contact with the main office.

Little contact with fellow drivers: Uber does not allow drivers to contact each other. While sometimes it’s better to work solo, working as a group also has its share of advantages.

Slow wages: sometimes you may want a steady workflow, yet it takes time to pick up. This can put you in low spirits as a driver because the amount of money you earn depends on how much you work. And who doesn’t want much money? Therefore, consider Uber finance aspect before you register.

If you are looking for an affordable van to transport materials, you may consider any of the exclusively designed light-duty vehicles like the Berlingo. As you know, while transporting the materials from one place to another, safety of the cargo plays a very important role that needs to be carefully considered. Therefore, the ideal solution would be to look for closed-in cargo carriers like the Citroen Berlingo. According to Cars Guide, during the last one year, sales of this type of vehicles have grown by about 17/5%!

Popular midsized LDV:

This highlights the popularity of Citroen Berlingo as an ideal LDV. Actually, this is a midsized LDV or commercial vehicle and in fact, many of the distributors use this vehicle as a delivery carrier. As compared with other types of LDVs, Citroen has gained popularity because of its affordable price tag, efficient running and various other exclusive features that are provided in it.

Salient features of Citroen LDV:

The Citroen Berlingo is provided with 1.6-liter Turbo diesel engine with five-speed automatic transmission. The van has a fuel tank with capacity of 60 liters. To ensure comfort in driving, the van is provided with tilt and telescoping steering wheel. Power mirror, power windows, rear wing doors, sliding doors are some of the other exclusive Citroen Berlingo specials. The van with its fuel consumption of 5.8 Litres/100 kms is regarded as one of the fuel-efficient vans of its class. The van is provided with air bags and anti-lock breaking utilities.

New version of Citroen C3:

Like any other brand in the automobile industry, innovations and constant improvements have been the hallmark of Citroen vehicles. True to this tradition, Citroen has launched its new Citroen c3, which is expected to be available for customers in 2017. This new version of Citroen is brought out in association with Peugeot. Actually, Citroen C3 is a five door hatchback car ideal for a small family of five.

Elegant exteriors:

The car is provided with 1.6 litres turbo engine, which is estimated to produce 74 bhp. In fact, C3 has stunning external appearance.

Some of the salient exterior features of new Citroen cars include a contrasting color roof, two-tier front light headlamps, and scratch proof protective air bumps at the lower level of the doors.

Comfortable interiors:

As far as the interior of Citroen C3 is concerned, it is provided with a seven-inch touch screen, infotainment system compatible with Android and AppleCarplay. Air conditioner, enough boot space and large luggage space are the other salient features of this car. In addition to these, C3 is also provided with forward facing 2-MP GPS enabled camera, which is mounted in the rear-view mirror.

New version of Citroen LDV:

Apart from this new version of passenger car, Citroen is also likely to launch its new version of LDVs. This new carriage van is also likely to be released in 2017. Some of the salient features of the new version of LDV from Citroen are improved upholstery, higher fuel economy, lesser noise and added safety features. Both the passenger car and the LDV have an affordable price tag. With the launch of these two vehicles, 2017 would be a year of great expectations for automobile enthusiasts.

If buying and selling homes is what you do to improve the quality of your lifestyle in Perth, you then need to know how you could do it better. You should not only consider buying big homes with enticing indoor facilities, but also with a striking landscape. Nicely landscaped homes are first selling because most buyers are paying great attention to landscape features and quality. Take time to explore the landscape ideas and services that would enable you to sell a home each day. Homeowners who invest in landscaping Perth has to offer find home selling business rewarding and enjoyable. If you want to increase the resale value of your home, you should invest in the following landscaping services:

Lawn Care

A well-maintained lawn is enough to hike the resale value of your home and attract buyers willing to meet that price. Most experts indicate that homes with exceptional curb appeal and beautiful lawns fetch handsome money within a short time. In fact, the cost of a home with attractive lawns increases with more than 7 percent of the initial sale value. To increase the resale value of your home, invest in lawn maintenance practices such as regular watering, proper mulching, adequate fertilizer application and mowing at the correct height.

Landscape Lighting

Proper lighting is a great idea that gives the garden a unique beautification. Most home sellers know that adequate lighting highlights the texture and focal points of the garden better. Moreover, a well-lit garden gives the buyer satisfying feelings on security and safety. Adequate light helps the buyer to spot irregular paving, scary bushes and risky elevations in some parts of the garden. Buyers also consider home garden with sufficient lighting important for outdoor meetings and parties that take place in the evening or even at night. If you invest in the quality landscaping Perth has to offer, you are likely to impress many buyers.

Quality and Safe Ponds and Pools

Homebuyers greatly delight in the water features they find in the yard. Pools and ponds with stagnant water would not be a delight to many homebuyers and sellers. If you have ponds and pools in your yard, you should hire experts to design proper flowing systems for them. Stagnant water doesn’t have any therapeutic benefit and it instead becomes a breeding area for mosquitoes. Moreover, stagnant water produces an awful odor that most buyers find disgusting. Look for unique ways of making the swimming pools in the garden safe for both adults and children.

Shrub and Tree Maintenance

If there are trees and shrubs around the yard, they should be well maintained to attract the buyer. Trees meant for providing shade should be properly pruned and spaced. In addition, you should apply the right fertilizer on the trees meant for beauty addition. You also need to come up with proper mite and insect control mechanisms on the shrubs therein. With the right landscaping Perth homeowners invest today, it is possible to make the trees and shrubs the most attractive features in the garden. It is easy to achieve this once you creatively prune the trees and shrubs and control pests that reduce the quality of the leaves, bark, branches and flowers. Visit http://greenprintlandscapes.com.au/.

How do you go about picking the right locksmith to take care of your security needs? Before you opt for any particular service, of course you will have to invest some efforts in researching the best options that are currently available in the marketplace. But it doesn’t stop with the research when you are shopping for the best Wyong locksmith services.

The right locksmith for your needs should also be one that is highly responsive in order to turn up faster when you are grappling with emergencies such as being locked out of your vehicle. Here are some important tips that you can put into consideration when you are shopping for the best locksmith in Wyong or wherever you are, for that matter:

Be on guard and go for the reputation

When you are shopping for the best locksmith service for your needs, it is important to go for the reputation first. Good reputation always assures you of a quality service ahead. Ensure that the locksmith service is licensed and that they are carrying a pocket version of that license whenever they come to provide services in your premises.

Look for Wyong locksmiths credentials

What are the credentials for Wyong locksmith company that you wish to work with? How long have they been in the industry? What projects have they undertaken in the recent years? Are they qualified and certified to carry out the locksmith servicing and repair operations.

One way to determine if you are dealing with a genuine and reputable company is by checking out the trade and professional associations that they belong to. Normally, these would be the locksmith’s associations and unions. They provide a good quality guarantee that you are working with a service provider that adheres to best practice when it comes to locksmith services.

Read the reviews

The reviews and comments offer some of the best ways of determining whether a particular locksmith in Wyong is offering top quality services. They can indicate the measure of customer satisfaction with the particular locksmith’s services.

It is important to trust your locksmith since you will be entrusting them with your security when you contract them for the locksmith related projects. You therefore need to do a thorough background check so as evaluate their track record on some of the tasks that they have undertaken in the past. This will come out clearly through the various client reviews and testimonials regarding the best Wyong locksmith services.

Central Physical Location

Do they have a physical shop where you can pay them a visit? How professional are their staff? Are they easily accessible? You need a locksmith that you can easily trust by virtue of their physical location in Wyong. You also need a service provider that you can get in touch with easily in case of emergencies.

ACL Locksmiths offers one of the most reliable locksmith services in Wyong with professional staff that is well trained and experienced in handling all your security lock needs.

Based on the Central Coast of NSW in Australia, the locksmith company has been serving this area for the past quarter of a decade. It also offers diverse locksmith solutions in various areas including the commercial, residential and automotive locksmith applications. Visit http://aclsecurity.com.au/central-coast-locksmith-wyong-gosford-the-entrance to find Wyong locksmith services that will meet your particular security needs.

The process of purchasing a new home can be very challenging especially when it is your first time. The first issue to carry out before commencing on the home purchasing process is determining if you are ready to become a homeowner. This decision will mainly depend on your current situation. You should bear in mind the responsibilities that come with purchasing a home like home repair and maintenance, lawn care as well as other costs. This home purchase process can be easy when you are aware of land & house packages available. Provided here are the main steps to undertake in the home purchase process.

Look at your credit score and report

Checking your credit is important before going for any loan or mortgage. The law authorizes that you should acquire a credit report copy for free every year. Sites that offer credit reports can help you to acquire the copy. The scores vary from three hundred to eight hundred and fifty in most instances. A good score will improve the chances of qualifying for a good loan. Ensure that your report does not have errors. You should be ready to dispute any errors when they may be present. This will improve the credit score.

Find out how much you will afford

The internet can help in finding out the amount of cash you can manage. There are many mortgage calculators available online which will aid in calculating the mortgage payment for every month. You should also consider the amount required for down payment, remodeling cost, closing cost, fees including that of inspection, attorney, and appraisal. Bear in mind that you do not have to make a down payment of twenty percent like your parents did. The good news is that some loans don’t require down payment or have a little payment. You will explore the loan options available with the help of an expert in land & house packages.

Choose a competent lender

When you have chosen a mortgage lender, you should acquire a pre-approval. Qualifications are based on the information you provide to the lender where there are no assurances. On the other hand, you will have a picture of the loan that you qualify for through pre-approval. The lender will acquire additional information from what your credit report displays. Before you start looking for a home, you can go ahead and acquire a genuine approval. This will ensure that the sale is quick when you make the offer. Furthermore, your deal will be attractive since you have a financial guarantee.

Find the ideal home

Finding the right home may not be a simple task to perform if you are not conversant with the common and complex land & house packages available today. You should determine the number of bathrooms and bedrooms your family needs. Also, you should consider your ideal space as well as the size of the kitchen. Will you require cabinet space and several closets? Another issue is whether you require a huge yard for the pets and kids to play.

After coming up with a list of your required facilities, it will be important considering the type of neighborhood you desire. Also, the distance from, and to work, local shopping facilities and the nature of schools available in the area. Your safety requirements should also be considered. As you assess the type of new homes NSW has, it is good to pay attention to the home appreciation rate in the region. Check out http://www.edenbraehomes.com.au/house-and-land/packages/

Blinds are an excellent addition to every home. They make the room look more stylish and relaxing. If you want to block the light out, blinds can help you achieve that blackout look anytime. You can also leave a couple of inches of opening to enjoy natural flow of air. With the many variants and brand names readily available in the market today, you need to make sure that the Venetian blinds Brisbane market offers are of great quality.

Designing with blinds can be an obstacle. With the ideal type and blind colour, you can absolutely integrate your blinds to your total interior style. Whether you desire roller shades, matchstick shades, cellular shades, roman shades, sheers, plantation shutters, and of course, Venetian blinds, embellishing with blinds will certainly improve the general look of your interior. Take a look at these pointers below to help you embellish your house with ease utilizing blinds.

1. Choose a Neutral Palette. You have to remember that routinely replacing Venetian blinds Brisbane stores offer today to fit your interior style can be a bit pricey. If you wish to go with vibrant colours, you can do so on your curtains as it is simple to replace them every week.

2. Select a Style that Suits the Space. There are a lot of styles you can pick from when you desire to use Venetian blinds from Signature Blinds Brisbane shops provide. You can either have horizontal or vertical Venetian blinds in Brisbane to match your interior style and layout.

3. Pair it Up with the Right Window Treatment. For maximum visual effects, it is best to combine your Brisbane Venetian blinds with the right window treatments. They typically work well with drapes and large fabrics. You can decide for drapes with bold patterns as long as your blind colours have natural, white or cream tones.

4. Select the Right Material. There are a lot of materials utilized nowadays for the making of Venetian blinds. Make certain you select the one that is best for your house. Have a look at these products and choose which one suits your area:

Real Wood. If you wish to achieve a standard timeless appearance, you can select wooden blinds.

Aluminum Blinds.If you want a more affordable option, you can go with aluminum blinds.

Faux Wood. These type of Venetian blind appearances like natural wood but costs a lot less expensive than the real ones.

Vinyl. Vinyl has been around for a lot of years. This is a really versatile and long lasting material and is widely used in the building market, water infrastructure, medical applications, vehicle market, electronic devices, packaging as well as transportation.

Blinds have actually been around for so many years and have actually undergone a style change a number of times. More colours have been included and are now combined with curtains to achieve a cozier interior. When it concerns window treatments, there are a lot of designs you can pick from. You can easily find Venetian blinds Brisbane stores currently offer once you have decided on the colour, style, and material you want for your blinds. You can also visit http://www.signatureblindsbrisbane.com.au/blinds/venetian-blinds/ for more details.

A trip to the Sunshine Coast is every Queen slander’s dream escape. The escape from the hustle and bustle of the big city seems relevant to the modern citizens today. This can be an uphill task in a state like Queensland where everyone seems to be moving faster. You’ve got to do what needs to be done now and hope retirement will be worth every restless moment. However, before retirement, you must also take breaks from it all and just relax. Of course, taking holidays is the ideal break but spending a weekend or two at quality beaches on the Sunshine Coast can also do a lot for you. Imagine if you never have to make accommodation plans every time you can afford to, for example, spend some time away at the Noosa Main beach. Noosa rentals provide a great opportunity to make a home away from home while removing such stresses. Furthermore, like the rest of Noosa real estate, they can also be a viable investment.

This article tackles the key reasons why your trip to Noosa and Sunshine Coast can be both for leisure and business by investing in rental properties for tourist accommodation:

Investing in Rentals: Reasons behind its Success

Why are investments made in real estate surviving market fluctuations better than, for example, stock trading? This might be the result of a myriad of factors not clearly understood or maybe pure coincidence. In the recent past, however, many investors seem convinced to withdraw from stock trading and acquire property instead. It doesn’t have to be the putting eggs in one basket cliché but it is evident that real estate investments are paying off worldwide. If for example, you owned some Noosa rentals or some rental properties Sunshine Coast has today, you could always benefit even during off season. Taking your family for an impromptu Sunday getaway to the beach is definitely better than lazing the day around an already over-familiar city apartment.

Renting a Place to Stay In VS Dwelling in Hotels

Real estate might not be what you are looking for right now. Maybe you are considering renting a property for rent Sunshine Coast property owners have for lease. On one hand, a nagging voice tries to convince you to get the tried and tested hotel accommodation. Researching FAQs for renting in Queensland, for example, may have made matters worse if terms like lease agreement, rental bond, and those in legislation requirements are unfamiliar to you. It could make the option for booking a hotel to seem heavenly. Take a break and think of the many times you called your favorite hotel only for the receptionist to tell you they are overbooked for the summer. Think of the sinking feeling you get when you have to settle for the second best. Now, remember the big number of great rentals Sunshine Coast has in the market. These are not likely to get over leased so forget the hotel.

Renting Terms Demystified

Assuming you’re the one who almost settled for less because an internet search discouraged you. Some of the terms you will come across when searching for rentals Sunshine Coast agencies lease are:

Rental bond: Refers to the deposit you should make that is four times the weekly property’s rent. It acts as security and should be refunded to you when you move out unless to cover costs you are responsible for.

Leasing agreement: A legally binding document that is evidence of the information you provide the landlord and the terms of your tenancy. It includes the period for lease and special terms like under what conditions a dog can be allowed in the house.

With this information, you have a place to start if you would like to lease, for example, some of the Noosa rentals in the market. To learn more, consider the information provided at https://rwnoosa.com.au.

When it comes to picking a place where you can retire, it’s great to give the choice some careful planning. Very few people in their 60s like to pack belongings and relocate a few times. However, selecting the perfect retirement house in Australia can be difficult. Regions like Queensland has always been a popular choice as there are a lot of land for sale Sunshine Coast wide that you can choose from. For those more than 60 years old, the choice will come down to a couple of essential components, for example, where your kids and grandchildren live, what luxuries are accessible, great transport connections and cheap homes.
You can check these dream retirement destinations below and see if they fit your retirement goals:1. Port Macquarie
There is a large number of fine eateries and bistros to feast in, which can be found on the Port Macquarie site. There are various yearly attractions and celebrations in the Port, and the most appealing to retirees is, without question, the Tasting on Hastings, a month long food festival held every October. The median property cost here is $520,000, and the cost to lease is $420 every week, according to realestate.com.au. There are additionally 13 retirement towns than you can choose from.
2. Yankalilla, SA
Set on the western side of South Australia’s staggering Fleurieu Peninsula, Yankalilla is a beautiful haven that has loads of appeal and character. If you love to be surrounded by nature just around an hour’s drive south of Adelaide, this is the best spot for you. It has quaint little bed and breakfast establishments if your family and companions come to visit, and there are moderate lodging choices in case you’re hoping to set up forever. Median costs in Yankalilla are about the $240,000 check. For shoreline trips, the close-by seaside havens of Normanville, Carrickalinga and Myponga Beach are excellent spots for an unwinding, morning swim or evening walk.
While it might not have as many retirement sanctuaries, the fact that it’s an hour’s drive from the state’s capital means you can get to greater shopping buildings and medical centers. Home to ranchers, specialists, city-inhabitants down for the end of the week and retirees, this is a perfect place for those seeking to be near a capital city while enjoying the serene way of life of the countryside.
3. Sunshine Coast, Queensland
It’s not a surprise that Sunshine Coast is part of this list. It is quite calmer compared to its southern counterpart, the Gold Coast. However, it is also lively as this is home to a few renowned suburbs like Noosa, Maroochydore, Mooloolaba, and Caloundra. No wonder a lot of tourists prefer houses for rent Sunshine Coast wide whenever they want to unwind. There has been less advancement around there, and less expensive lodging as well. However, that will all rely upon what type of accommodation you’re searching for.
Costs of land for sale Sunshine Coast wide can run from about $500,000 to $2 million, or in case you’re not having any desire to purchase, there’s a lot of rentals accessible as well. You can also select from a wide variety of retirement houses for sale Caloundra offers, with various reasonable choices near amenities. An hour’s drive north of Brisbane, it’s an incredible place spend your retirement that is tranquil and quiet, but not too far from major cities.
Making sense of where you need to live when you resign isn’t a simple choice. You’ll have to factor in your way of life without sacrificing basic conveniences. Being near your kids and grandchildren in your retirement years is important so you will have the support and love of your family. You can also check on other houses for sale Golden beach has today to see if they meet your requirements. If you are keen on selecting land for sale Sunshine Coast has today, you can ask around or visit http://www.henzells.com.au for more details.

When you purchase a pre-owned home, the standard procedure includes looking through various locations to choose the home you like best. The pursuit can get awkward and tiring, especially if you have a distinct taste. Even if you eventually settle with a pre-owned home, there is a chance that it won’t really meet your expectations. That is why choosing a reliable Perth home builder to construct your dream home is still a smart way to go.

Do not just settle with a pre-owned home just because it has a great view of the ocean or rolling hills. Make sure to check the interior of the home to know whether there are any major repairs or renovations needed. If you find out that the floor boards are already rotten beneath the plaster, you can either move on to hunt another property or strike a deal with the broker so you can buy the property at a cheaper cost. It may take a while before you can move in but if the view is really that good, waiting until the home is renovated might be a good choice. Just be sure to hire a trusted Perth home builder to renovate the property or construct any additional structure.

Below are a few reasons why building a new home from scratch is ideal rather than buying a pre-owned home.

Modified to Your Requirements

Most homeowners do not consider the idea of building their own homes since they feel it is too expensive. However, the genuine reason is that they’re in a rush and would prefer not to wait until the construction is complete. Needing a place to move in immediately is also an issue. What most homeowners do not realise is that hiring a new home builder Perth has these days is actually more economical.

Efficient Than Spending More on Renovation

The issue with pre-owned homes is you need to pay for it in one go. Even if you take advantage of financing or mortgage loans, the interest rate is still a weighty cost. When you buy a pre-owned home, you will pay for everything inside, even if you don’t really like some items such as the ugly-looking wallpaper or the unbelievably small bathroom. Building your own home will ensure that you approve every addition, every nook and cranny of your own place. You will not mind spending as long as you can have the design you want for your home. When you hire the best Perth home builder, you will get to have a budget estimate which you will have to approve or revise, depending on your budget.

With home development, you can take it moderately – you don’t need to spend all your cash in one go. So in case you’re stressed on overspending plan, you can just gradually add to the development a tiny bit at a time. You can begin with the outside and after that the plumbing, before concentrating on the insides. You can assemble gradually room by room so you won’t be troubled monetarily. Perth new home builder WA wide will even enable you to design out your home building project a little bit at a time.

No Bad History of Sorts

When you build a new home, you will not have to deal with other people’s history. You will not have to wonder about what the previous owners did to the home. You will create your own memories in your newly constructed home. Although you can hire cleaners to clean a pre-owned home, hiring a new home builder Perth WA has today is still a hygienic choice.

With every fortune, there’s always a price to pay. The good news is the increasing availability of smarter HVAC systems in the US market today. It’s a response to the demand for energy-efficient HVAC systems by consumers. On the other hand, inferior products and incompetent service are also on the rise. Is getting a regular duct cleaning Atlanta has these days enough for your HVAC to become sustainable?

Energy needs

Sustainable HVAC systems are only a few of the many solutions to the growing demand for energy-efficient products. But its significance can’t be taken for granted.

Before, consumers were quality-centric; now, they’re cost-conscious. However, being cost-conscious also means demanding for energy-efficient and sustainable HVAC systems. It will never equate to buying tempting cheap products and services to save money. The latter is counterproductive.

Buying smart and well-designed HVAC systems, ductwork, and products will benefit you in the long run. You will save money, ensure your family’s health, and help the environment.

Buying an energy-efficient HVAC System:

Impacting the environment

Because they consume a lot of energy, most HVAC systems are now being retrofitted to minimize their negative impact on nature. Rating systems like Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) are motivating the manufacturing industry to design HVAC systems with harmless materials like plastic.

Your Health

Indoor air quality is crucial. It can affect a family’s health since they stay inside their homes for about 90% of their time. Existing air-conditioners are retrofitted to circulate cleaner air. The best air conditioning installation Atlanta GA includes services that cater to the diverse needs of consumers.

Your Pocket

Manufacturers are also designing HVAC systems that are more economical for consumers. Since the pulse of today’s market is being cost-conscious, these systems are designed and installed strategically to reduce operational costs. The latter is, of course, the responsibility of the HVAC dealer.

Besides smart design, quality maintenance is also important in sustaining the performance of a high-efficient HVAC system. You can do maintenance on your own or you can hire professionals.

Simple tasks like checking the filters and taking care of return air vents can prolong an HVAC system’s life. If you see a large build-up of mold or dust, then you can get a duct cleaning Atlanta companies offer. When looking for a duct cleaning Atlanta has nowadays, remember to look for companies that offer good service plans and periodic maintenance.

Meanwhile, if you think a part of your HVAC system is beyond repair, you can always replace it. You can call for a Moncriefair air conditioner replacement in Atlanta GA if your air conditioner’s brand is Carrier. A Moncriefair air conditioner replacement is Carrier-authorised—it means they service brands including Carrier.

As products and technology get smarter, don’t forget to consider giving back to nature. Buy products that do not only benefit your pockets, but also the environment. In the past, it sounded impossible, but now you can do it with the sea of energy-conscious HVAC dealers in your area. See more at http://www.moncriefair.com/air-duct-cleaning-in-atlanta-ga.php

The commercial setting isn’t quite clearly known to be solely comprised of a one-man team. Such applies to your ventilation system — there are different parts or regions that specialize for a particular function. Heating and air conditioning service providers like Moncrief Heating & Air Conditioning take these “members of the team” into consideration. It even involves keeping employees and the facilities not only comfortable but also healthy.

What is an HVAC system exactly?

Standing for Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning System — it is in charge of maintaining a preferred “condition” of the air that circulates around the commercial area, its quality and integrity, distribution, other aspects, even its sanitation. Most systems like the HVAC system Atlanta GA has do this and more.

Suspended air is not healthy

Plain air particles are almost invisible to the naked eye and harbor a lot of agents like chemicals, microorganisms, dust, scents, and the like. This is one of the reasons why ventilation is important — it prevents these things from being suspended into the air without motion, consequently exposing the workplace to things ranging from infectious diseases, dust irritation, humidity, and even moisture isolation (which micro-organisms prefer).

In a commercial set-up, these factors increase relatively with the number of individuals in an area.

The main gist of efficient air circulation and its cycle explained

To prevent prolonged air suspension, vents are placed to suction the air in the commercial area so it flows inward to the central heater or air conditioner for re-conditioning. Professionals like those from Moncrief Heating & Air Conditioning know this and may provide you alternatives for the central unit, like a commercial air conditioner Atlanta GA manufacturers set up, that benefits you the most — and some actually filter and get rid of unwanted micro organisms as an added feature.

An input duct may create a vacuum, however, so there must be an output. Once the inbound unconditioned or recycled air is filtered through the central HVAC system, the air, now conditioned to an optimally preferred state, is sent toward the outbound vents that distribute conditioned air evenly for that comfortable feel in the workplace. The cycle goes on.

Even systems break down and need check-ups

The demands on commercial HVAC systems outpace the residential setting. Because it involves larger areas, more vents and ducts, stronger and more energy-demanding units, and more complex setups, it is inevitable for HVAC systems to malfunction entirely or by functional region. When this happens, it is best to have it attended to as fast as possible by professionals that offer various functions such as the best HVAC repair in Atlanta GA would offer.

Know who to turn to

HVAC systems require a great deal of expertise and technical ability to be managed. This is why technicians need to be accredited with a North American Technician Excellence certificate to be able to deliver and address your HVAC-related concerns accordingly.

It is a standard for HVAC service providers like Moncrief Heating & Air Conditioning to assure you that your commercial HVAC needs are professionally handled. Know more about them at their website http://www.moncriefair.com/.

Many individuals and families in Perth are now choosing to have a double-storey home to improve their way of living. After all, there are many benefits that come with this type of place. Aside from being able to maximize spaces on a small piece of land, building vertically will open up a plethora of possibilities that you can embrace to make you home as functional and stylish as possible. However, building such a place does not come without challenges. Nevertheless, you can always make the process smoother and ensure results will meet your expectations by considering some important factors, with the help of two storey home builders in Perth WA, such as Aveling Homes.

1. Design

First and foremost, you should choose a design that will exactly meet your needs for living in such a home. Carefully think through your preferences. For example, how do you like natural light to enter your living area or rooms? Or, how do like to entertain your family or guests if you will be expecting some? You can talk with 2 storey home builders Perth has to come up with the best solutions to these matters.

2. The Right Budget

Planning an effective budget for a new home is always challenging. Nevertheless, you can make the task easier by avoiding the most common mistakes often encountered during the process. For one, you should never underestimate the expenses, as they can really add up. On a similar note, you should never overspend on luxuries without considering the final value of your finished home. Remember that luxurious items that are not valued by other people can result in a loss should you decide to sell your home in the future.

3. Building Regulations

Generally, your building plan should adhere to specific regulations in your locality, including neighborhood planning policies and local zoning regulations. So, once you have finalized your design with builders, such as Aveling Homes, you must have it approved by the local building council first before breaking ground.

4. Climate Control

Remember that integrating adequate heating and cooling systems in two-storey homes is more difficult than in traditional homes, considering that hot air would rise to the second floor. However, good builders will be able to achieve the perfect climate control system for your home. When discussing this aspect with them, consider window placement, cross-flow ventilation, and insulation.

5. Time Frame

Of course, you should determine how long it will take for your new home to complete. With that said, it is important to work with home builders in Perth WA who are transparent with your project’s time frame. Implement time management during the construction process to ensure everything is done on set deadlines.

6. Inspections

See to it that your project is inspected at various stages by an authorized agency to ensure it is on track. Also, this will determine if all of the work is up to code and satisfactory.

As constructing a two-storey home is not a small investment to make, it is, of course, crucial to choose a home builder that you can depend on. In this regard, you can check out Aveling Homes at www.aveling-homes.com.au.

It’s no surprise that the leading cause of anxiety for parents is caring for a sick child, and yet one in two parents could be unintentionally putting their child at risk by not fully understanding everything they need to know about pain and fever medicines. Keep your cool with these four tips from Dr. Sally Gatchalian of the Philippine Pediatric Society to help you nurse your little one back to health.

1. Children’s pain and fever medicines are NOT created equal

Contrary to popular belief, different children’s pain and fever medicines do not work in the same way, nor are they always equally safe for your child. Ibuprofen and paracetamol are two of the most commonly used over-the-counter children’s pain and fever medicines, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t exercise caution when using them. For instance, if your child is suffering from other health conditions, such as dengue or dehydration, ibuprofen can increase the risk of side effects, and also has the potential to interact with a larger range of medicines when compared to paracetamol.

2. Avoid mixing medicines (unless directed by your doctor)

It can be risky to alternate or mix medicines when not under medical supervision. Alternating doses of different pain and fever medicines can be confusing and increase the risk that you’ll overmedicate your child. Generally, paracetamol can be safely taken with other medicines (but always read the label), but always check that the two medicines don’t both contain paracetamol, otherwise you could risk overdosing your child.

3. Children should never be given aspirin or a small dose of adult medicine–EVER!

A recent survey found that some parents have given their child aspirin or a small dose of adult medicine. Under no circumstances should children be given any medicine that’s meant for adults as it carries numerous risks, including potential unknown side effects. Aspirin should never be given to young children because of the risk of Reye’s syndrome, a potentially fatal condition that affects all organs of the body, but is most harmful to the brain and liver.

4. Be very careful with dosing

Almost one in three parents admit that preparing the correct dose of children’s medicine is very stressful. Always follow the labelled instructions and dose your child based on weight, not age, for more accuracy. Use the dosing device provided with the product. If you need help determining the right dose, a handy online dosage calculator is available here.

Are graphic novels “real books”?

Yes! Graphic novels are widely accepted by youth librarians and teachers as books worth reading by kids of all ages and reading levels. Top children’s publishers now offer graphic novels that are high quality (with strong characters, vocabulary, and storylines) and appropriate for young readers.

How graphic novels help build children’s literacy skills

Reading motivation. Graphic novels are very popular, and especially appealing to readers who may not pick up a more traditional book on their own. They can be a “welcoming door” for reluctant or struggling readers (especially boys) who are drawn to the lively storylines and illustrations, and the smart but limited text. Quick, fun reads build confidence!

Visual literacy. The pictures in graphic novels are expressive, simple, and rich all at the same time. The images provide big clues about character and plot and encourage readers to look closely. Some graphic novels (such as Owly and The Adventures of Polo) are wordless, so the pictures must carry the full story.

Story structure. Most graphic novels for young readers have easy-to-follow plots. This can help children learn about how a story is stitched together. After sharing a graphic novel together, ask your child to tell you the basic plot of the story: “First this happened, then this … and at the end …”

Word learning for struggling readers and English language learners. Although individual words in a graphic novel can be sophisticated, the side-by-side Illustrations and text provide strong clues to their meaning.

Don’t forget to share graphic novels together — they make great read alouds!

Where to find great graphic novels for kids

Take a look at our booklist, Graphic Novels: Read the Pictures, for recommended reads. Or, browse these lists from the American Library Association — and ask the children’s librarian at your local library for more recommendations.

Expose your kids to the world of graphic novels through different genres. Here are some of our favorites:

Your newborn finds endless joy in just gazing at you (and vice versa), but soon he’ll start to show interest in toys. But when it comes to plaything for babies, there’s more than meets the eye. What might seem too cute could actually be too dangerous—or just a big bore. We’ve got info to help you choose wisely, so your baby is happy, engaged and perfectly safe.

What Babies Want

From 0 to 1, babies explore their fascinating new world through their senses, which are swiftly developing as they see, touch, smell, hear and taste everything they possibly can. For the first couple of months, though, babies are a light on motor skills, so they rely on their eyes and ears to soak it all in. They gravitate toward bright primary or high-contrast colors with simple designs and changes in sound. This is the best time for a crib mobile—your baby can’t reach it (it’s a strangulation hazard when they can), and it provides a great source of entertainment. Attach it about 8 to 14 inches from your baby’s eyes, then as soon as he can push himself up on hands and knees, or at 5 months old, (whichever comes first), remove it from the crib. By about 8 weeks, your baby is ready for rattles and teethers, cloth toys, soft squeeze balls, and musical and chime toys.

As soon as babies can reach and grab, they’ll get a thrill from textured toys that are safe to test out in their mouths. It’s also tummy time, and cloth interactive activity mats are perfect for that. Disks and keys on a ring give them something to hold, shake and listen to, and teething toys always win raves. “At 6 months, all those teething toys come into play as they become more orally fixated and they’re cutting teeth,” says Adam Cohen, who blogs at DadaRocks.com, a kid product review site.

When babies start to sit up, they’re also mastering hand-eye coordination and gross motor skills. “They love banging, repetition with open and shut, toys that are cause and effect,” says Adrienne Appell, spokesperson for the Toy Industry Association. They like to see what their bodies can do—and they’re dying to practice! Give them balls, push and pull toys, nesting and stacking toys, activity cubes, shape sorters, pop-up toys, squeaky toys, rubber blocks, large pop beads, and simple musical instruments.

Choosing Safe Toys

While your baby might very well be a future Pulitzer Prize-winner, she is still going stick everything, no matter how gross, in her mouth—and that can be risky. “There are more than 200,000 toy-related injuries a year that result in emergency room visits,” says Meri-K Appy, president of Safe Kids USA (formerly the Home Safety Council). Most are under 4 years old, and more than a dozen children under 15 die each year from toy-related accidents. Though your first instinct may be to swaddle your kid until he’s in high school, you don’t need to be scared; you just need to be smart.

The most basic safety tip is to purchase age-appropriate toys. “We like to think of our children as advanced and give them, with pride, something that they’re ‘ready for,’ but that can be a dangerous mistake,” Appy says. Read and heed those warning labels; they’re there for a reason and often prompted by an accident. “The back-story is tragic; it’s a loss or an injury that could be life-long,” Appy says. Most of the warning labels are for children ages 3 and under, because they’re at the highest risk for choking.

You’ll see choking hazard warnings on toys like balls, balloons, marbles, and Lego pieces. Any item small enough to fit through a toilet paper roll is small enough to fit down a young child’s windpipe, Appy explains—for instance, a ball should be more than 1.75 inches in diameter. Toy stores may have small parts testers, but the toilet paper roll offers a good guide.

Recently, button magnets and magnetic jewelry have caused alarm. They are tiny and tempting for a curious baby, and can be deadly. “If a child swallows two, they can come together in the body and injure organs,” Appy explains. Another no-no: latex balloons. Small pieces can go down your baby’s throat and get stuck. “If you must have a balloon, then Mylar is actually safer,” Appy says.

Remember, too, that well-meaning gift-givers may ignore a warning label; perhaps Grandma picked up something she loved or the nanny doesn’t read English very well. So you’ll need to check toy presents before you give them to your baby. Also, any caregivers should be well-versed in toy safety. “It’s important to talk to anyone taking care of your child,” Appy says.

Chemicals in toys

Another thing to look for on labels: phtalates, those chemicals that make plastics softer. It’s a topic that’s evolving, but Appy says that concerns are mounting that they might disrupt normal hormonal balance and could possibly be associated with behavioral issues and asthma. How to know if a toy has phtalates if it doesn’t list materials? “If your toy is marked for recycling, you’re looking for recycling #3,” she says. Luckily, Congress has already banned six types of phtalates from children’s toys, and companies like Wal-Mart, Lego, Toys R Us and Evenflo are phasing all phtalates out of their toys.

Where you shop can also impact your toy-buying. For instance, while there’s nothing inherently wrong with dollar stores, their merchandise may not pass rigorous baby toy standards. “You are definitely looking for toys that are sturdy, made by somebody who understands new regulations of toy safety, and something that will hold up with normal wear and tear,” Appy says. If you sense imminent destruction of the toy, or if there’s no label to tell you the age limit, take a pass.

At-Home Toy Safety

After opening any new toy, toss all packaging. Besides suffocation from plastic bags and wrappings, hard shell cases can often leave perilously sharp edges.

Noisy toys are annoying, and they can also be harmful for your baby’s sensitive ears. If you’ve purchased a toy that sounds loud to you, it’s likely too loud for your baby, Appy says. Take the batteries out or cover the speaker with tape.

With any toy, it’s important to provide some supervision for your baby’s play. “Make sure your child is using toys in a safe environment and then put them in a safe place when they’re done,” Appy says.

Storing toys neatly can be a hassle, but storing them safely is a must. Toy bins work, as well as toy chests that have lids with safety hinges so they don’t squash tiny fingers. It’s also smart to separate your baby’s toys from an older sibling’s toys. It keeps unsafe older-kid toys from your baby and reminds big siblings that they must help keep little toy parts out of baby’s hands.

Even after you’ve OK’d a new toy, inspect it now and then to make sure it’s still working properly, and hasn’t been damaged or broken in a way that could cause harm. Also, keep abreast of toy recalls by checking CPSC.gov or our constantly updated Recall Finder. Send in warranty cards and the CPSC will contact you if there’s been a recall.

Hand-Me-Down Toys

They don’t make ’em like the used to, right? And that might be a good thing. “Hand-me-down toys can be very nostalgic, but in the last 10 or so years, a lot has changed,” Appy says. “We know more, and we’re looking for dangers more systematically.” Which doesn’t mean your childhood Raggedy Ann doll is off limits; it just means you need to check to see, for instance, if her button eyes are going to pop off and wind up in her mouth. Or if the paint on those beautiful blocks is lead-based. Or, says Cohen, if it’s just been collecting bacteria for too long. “If it’s been in your parents’ basement for 20 years, it’s probably not OK,” he says.

Also consider age-appropriateness. You might tear up as you hand your old Cabbage Patch doll to your baby, but she might not be ready for it. “If you don’t care if it gets ruined with your child, then OK, but if you thought it was going to be given to their children and their children’s children, you might need to wait.”